The Concordia Stingers’ football program held their annual awards banquet on Feb. 15 at the Molson Brewery reception hall and two Stingers needed to make multiple trips to the podium.
Running back Jean Michel Paquette took home three separate honours, including the George Dixon Memorial Trophy for offensive MVP, The Warrior Trophy for Most Outstanding Player and the most outstanding special teams player.
The fourth year administration major averaged just under five yards per carry on 59 rushing attempts.
In addition, he had two rushing touchdowns as well as a pair of touchdown receptions.
His naming as the team’s most outstanding special team’s players was also well deserved.
The diminutive veteran brought back 29 punts for 294 yards with a touchdown to boot and he returned eight kicks for a whopping 327 yards.
On the other side of the ball, American linebacker Mickey Donovan was the recipient of two defensive awards.
He was honoured with the Pat Davis trophy for defensive rookie of the year and if that isn’t impressive enough, he also won the defensive player of the year award outright.
In six games, the Laconia, New Hampshire native collected 64 tackles, four sacks and two interceptions.
He also recovered a fumble.
A few other players also received post season acknowledgements at the banquet. Massachusetts product Jon Bond, who completed his first season as Stinger quarterback, was awarded the Pat Davis trophy for offensive rookie of the year.
Brad Collinson took home the most outstanding offensive lineman award, while California native Ryan Woosley was named most outstanding defensive lineman.
Departing safety Dave Aiken was honoured with the Russ Blackwell memorial trophy for most dedicated player and Christian Giguere was named most outstanding academic player.
The Stingers kick off their 2003 campaign in just over six months when they play host to the Bishop’s Gaiters on Sept. 6.
The eight game schedule will also include one interconference game, with Concordia travelling to Mount Allison to take on the Mounties on Sept. 20.
The Stingers will close out the regular portion of the schedule on Oct. 25, at home versus the fledgling University of Sherbrooke.
